With the local property market on the rise, the 100K JAM Carnival offered a unique opportunity for homeowners and investors to engage with some of the country’s top real estate experts. Organised by property influencer Sean Tan and The Makeover Guys, the event celebrated Tan’s milestone of reaching 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Hosted at Emhub, Kota Damansara, the carnival served as a platform to explore current trends and opportunities in Malaysia’s real estate landscape.
As a way of giving back to his loyal community, Sean brought together key figures from the property and mortgage sectors, including Rena Choong, Head of Mortgage at Far Capital; Soh Jie Min, Principal Product Manager of Data and Software Solutions at PropertyGuru Group, Gavin Liew, Founder of The Makeover Guys; and Faizul Ridzuan, CEO of Far Capital. Each speaker shared valuable insights, emphasising the importance of informed decision-making in today’s competitive market.
Amid a strong property market, Rena Choong offered insights into navigating mortgage loans and financing options.“With newly transacted properties reaching record highs this year compared to previous years, and refinancing also at its peak, buyers need to approach financing with a clear strategy. Understanding the full range of mortgage options available is more important than ever in securing favorable terms.”
Soh Jien Min highlighted significant growth in Malaysia’s property market, noting that Jelutong and Gelugor, both originating from Penang saw a remarkable 200% increase in pure demand in July. “With tools like Brickz powered by DataSense allowing buyers to track median property prices in specific areas, there’s more power in the hands of buyers to make data-driven decisions,” he said. Soh also emphasised that buyers can leverage this information to push agents for transparent data, as it’s now more accessible than ever.
Speaking from a renovation perspective, Gavin Liew highlighted how even small-scale makeovers can significantly impact rental yields and resale values. “By focusing on creating spaces that appeal to today’s renters and buyers, you can increase both the appeal and the market value of your property,” he said. Liew also discussed emerging trends such as sustainable design and smart home technology, which are shaping the way Malaysians approach home renovations.
As the event unfolded, the panelists acknowledged the optimistic outlook for the property sector, particularly with the upcoming 2025 Budget expected to support the industry further. Initiatives aimed at boosting homeownership, enhancing infrastructure, and providing incentives for property investors are set to strengthen the market in the coming years, making it a strategic time for those considering entering or expanding within the property space.
Faizul Ridzuan, took the stage for an exclusive session, discussing the future of property investment, stating, “Looking ahead, we are likely to see a property bull run over the next five years, making now an opportune time for investment. Johor stands out as a prime location, offering significant upside potential due to its favorable price points. It’s essential for investors to engage actively in the market—putting your feet on the ground is crucial for success.”
The panelists collectively emphasised the critical need for continuous learning and adaptation in the property market. Wrapping up the session, host Sean Tan drove home an essential point: “The industry already has all the data available, but without proper research, buyers are left pointing fingers when things don’t turn out as expected—like promised MRTs or projects that don’t materialise. It’s crucial for Malaysians to make informed decisions based on data, not emotions, especially when investing hard-earned money.” He also expressed his gratitude, stating, “Reaching 100,000 subscribers is a dream come true. I am deeply thankful to my community, and this event is my way of giving back by sharing knowledge and bringing together experts with so much to offer.”
As an additional highlight, The Makeover Guys unveiled their new Experience Centre in Kota Damansara, a one-stop solution for home makeovers that combines design, execution, and innovation under one roof. With curated spaces that showcase the latest design trends and makeover options, the centre offers visitors the chance to explore practical home-styling solutions and engage directly with experts. Adding to the centre’s charm is a pop-up café in collaboration with RaRa Coffee, providing a welcoming space for visitors to relax and recharge.
